Thy Art Is Murder Share "Blood Throne" Video — WATCH

Australia's extreme metal titans Thy Art Is Murder have revealed turbulent new single "Blood Throne," taken from the band's forthcoming album, Godlike, out September 15 via Human Warfare. Pre-order Godlike here.

Watch the video below.

"AND SO THEY ROT!!" growls a menacing CJ McMahon as he ushers in "Blood Throne" with a maniacal glint in his eye. From here, Thy Art Is Murder blast open the ninth circle of hell with a potent mix of mayhem and force designed to galvanize us into overthrowing the evil that reigns on the Blood Throne.

Guitarist Andy Marsh offers, "As we started work on 'Blood Throne,' we aimed to harness the same visceral energy that drove 'Death Squad Anthem' while pushing our boundaries to craft something unique. Kicking things off with a break beat groove, we wanted to set the tone with a jolt to the system preparing everyone for the chaos ahead. 'Blood Throne' embodies our attempt at creative anthemic power and groove spiraling into a reflection of oppressive organizations and regimes that profit and thrive on the toil and pain of the marginalized. Throughout our career, we have confronted these themes head on with the aim of igniting a fire within each listener and inspiring the collective strength to challenge the dominion of those who perpetuate suffering."

Thy Art Is Murder ascended the ranks of extreme metal's top tier bands with a meteoric underground rise as explosive as humankind's seemingly inevitable descent into doom and death. With their new album, Godlike, Australia's most harrowingly brutal export since George Miller's Mad Max franchise invites audiences worldwide to join them in a fresh Armageddon. 

The sixth explosive album in the band's arsenal, Godlike cements Thy Art Is Murder as death metal's modern torchbearers. A soundtrack to a divisive post-modern dystopia, Godlike sees Thy Art Is Murder explore new depths and dynamics without sacrificing an ounce of intensity or urgency the band have staked their career on.

Recorded with their longtime producer and mixer Will Putney, across the album's 10 nihilistic tracks, Thy Art are masters of their craft, as they deliver sharp stabs, guttural descents and groove with muscular athleticism and confidence. Frontman CJ McMahon gives his strongest performance ever as he belts through lyrics that thematically confront how cycles of violence continue over time and feelings of separation in a hyper-polarized world.

Thy Art Is Murder is thinking person's blackened death metal and it has challenged, provoked, and inspired audiences around the world. Through relentless hard work, Thy Art have become one of the most successful extreme metal bands Australia has ever produced, making history on their own terms. Backed by an uncompromising discography, the two-time ARIA-Award nominees have smashed chart records in their native country, becoming the first homegrown extreme metal act to debut in the Top 5 with 2017's Dear Desolation.

Their electrifying and incendiary performances have seen the band do countless laps of the globe, becoming tourmates with genre-titans like Cannibal Corpse, Slayer, Kreator, Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage, and Parkway Drive, alongside playing crucial festivals like Summer Breeze, Download, Graspop, and Wacken.

Join Thy Art Is Murder when they enter Godlike mode this coming September. 

Parmalee Reveals For You 2 Album Cover

With the release of their extended album, For You 2 arriving on September 22, Parmalee revealed the new album cover earlier today. Fans can pre-save-/pre-add the album here. Their current single “Girl In Mine,” is top 10 and climbing. The album has already yielded two No. 1 country singles including the double-Platinum “Just The Way,” featuring Blanco Brown, and the Platinum-certified “Take My Name,” which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022.
 
The original album cover features the 1990 GMC-20 Vandura conversion van and a trailer they toured in for the first six years of their career. “We had a conversion van as a kid, so it always felt comfortable to me,” said leader singer Matt Thomas. “I remember we had to get a new trailer because the door kept coming off the hinges in the middle of night and we kept losing gear driving down the highway,” he laughed. “We’re excited to be releasing new music and continue our journey with For You 2.”
 
For You 2 offers five new songs including their current top 10 single “Girl In Mine.” The breezy track is “…the perfect song for a day out on the water or driving down a two-lane highway with the windows down,” said Taste of Country.
 
Another new track on For You 2 is the declarative “Boyfriend,” written by Matt along with fellow songwriters David Fanning, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Michael Hardy and Hunter Phelps. “The idea behind the song is something I feel like most guys have been through at least once in their life,” says Matt. “You’re in love with a girl but she’s with someone else who treats her bad. All you can think about is how if she was yours, you would treat her right and put a ring on her finger.”
 
Next week, Parmalee will take their hit-packed set on tour with Grammy Award winners Train, for a month-long set of shows. “We’re thrilled about the tour with Train, and we’ve been fans of them and their music for a long time,” said Matt. “They share a band mentality, just like we do, and I feel like we’re cut from the same cloth in a lot of ways. We’re excited to play our music for their fans.”

About Parmalee
Parmalee is one of Country music's most successful acts with three No. 1 singles, multiple Platinum records, and more than 1 Billion on-demand streams. Comprised of brothers Matt and Scott Thomas (lead vocals/guitar and drums, respectively), Cousin Barry Knox (bass), and life-long friend Josh McSwain, the North Carolina natives first topped the charts with “Carolina,” followed by their Platinum-certified No. 1 single with Blanco Brown, “Just The Way.” They followed with “Take My Name,” which was Billboard’s Most Played Country Song of 2022. Their latest single “Girl In Mine” is Top 10 and climbing. For more information, visit: http://www.parmaleemusic.com/

Spanish Thrashers ANGELUS APATRIDA Share Video for New Single "Cold," Announce New Album

Spanish trash metal masters ANGELUS APATRIDA will be releasing their eighth studio album, 'Aftermath,' on October 20, 2023 via Century Media Records! In celebration, the band is now sharing the ripping new single, "Cold," along with an intense music video! The clip, which was scripted and directed by Juan Castillo, J. L. Auñón and Lalo Davia / Kameo Producciones, can be seen below.

Regarding "Cold," the thrashers' comment, "Our new album ‘Aftermath' has a very compact flow and loads of powerful songs. And it took ages for all the people involved in the production to choose the singles; all of the 10 songs are singles themselves! But 'Cold' might be the ideal first one to introduce this new album, because it has all the Angelus Apatrida ingredients to make this song a new Metal Hymn. Very deep and strong lyrics plus an amazing video story makes this track a perfect starting point. But, trust me, the whole album is a mind-blowing combination of our best-songs-ever.”

'Aftermath' follows Angelus Apatrida's 2021 eponymous full-length, which topped the official album charts in Spain at # 1! The release also debuted in Germany at # 49 and Switzerland at # 41.

'Aftermath' features a diverse cast of guest appearances by vocalist Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed), guitarist Pablo García (Warcry), singer Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche) and rapper Sho-Hai. The album was once again self-produced by the band, with recordings handled by Juanan López at Baboon Records in Albacete, Spain and mixing and mastering by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Overkill, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Shadows Fall) at Planet-Z in Wilbraham, MA, USA.)

Pre-orders for 'Aftermath' are now live HERE.

“Aftermath” will be available in as Ltd. CD Jewelcase in O-Card packaging for its first pressing and Digital Album with two fresh live bonus tracks (11. Indoctrinate (Live in Bilbao 2023) and 12. Give ‘Em War (Live in Barcelona 2023)), or as 180g vinyl LP in the following variants: Ltd. transp. red LP (300x copies from cmdistro and various other retailers), Ltd. transp. orange LP (600x copies from amazon.es & Angelus Apatrida), Ltd. translucent tan colored LP (500x copies from all US outlets) and as Black LP.

Previously, Angelus Apatrida released a documentary that was directed by Mike Casey, entitled '28 Months Later: A Post-Apocalyptic Metal Documentary.' The film detailed the band's journey from preparing for 2021's self-titled opus leading towards the creation of 'Aftermath.' The clip can be seen HERE.

The world has taken a battering over the last few years, but ANGELUS APATRIDA is leading the fightback. 

Spain’s greatest ever exponents of forward-thinking thrash metal began their campaign at the turn of the century and have been a consistent force for heavy music ever since. From their ferocious 2006 debut album 'Evil Unleashed' and 2010’s widely acclaimed 'Clockwork' (the band’s first for Century Media), to more recent triumphs like 2018’s 'Cabaret de la Guillotine,' ANGELUS APATRIDA has become increasingly unstoppable. In 2023, they will release 'Aftermath,' a vicious and vital response to the chaos we see all around us. 

With touring plans for 2020 cancelled, ANGELUS APATRIDA simply switched focus to the creative process. The result was 'Angelus Apatrida,' a self-titled record that sought to redefine its creators’ era-blending sound, with renewed intensity and uproarious lyrical sensibilities that dug deep into the realities of the modern world. Climbing to the top of the official album charts in Spain at # 1 as well as marking the band’s first ever chart entries in Germany at # 49 and Switzerland at # 41 upon release in 2021, the album showcased a band at the peak of their powers. Understandably, ANGELUS APATRIDA were absolutely itching to get back on the road, which they eventually did with a vengeance.

“We started doing some shows trying to keep things going until the summer of 2021, and then at the end of the year we were able to do some important venues and festivals,” recalls guitarist/vocalist Guillermo Izquierdo. “We spent 2022 and 2023 touring, mostly in Europe and North America. We’ve played Hellfest, Graspop, Dynamo, Resurrection Fest, Rock Fest and Leyendas del Rock, and we did our first headlining tour in the U.S. and Canada. In February 2023 we did the last four dates of the tour in Spain with four total sell outs!”

Clearly one of the hardest-working bands in metal, ANGELUS APATRIDA were not content with simply returning to the live arena. Even as they toured, work on their next album began. Pre-production for 'Aftermath' was finished in March 2023, and the band swiftly hit the studio in their hometown of Albacete, once again collaborating with trusted live and studio engineer Juanan López on the capturing of these new metal explosions. The finished tracks were then sent to the legendary Zeuss (Rob Zombie/Overkill/Hatebreed) at Planet-Z in Wilbraham, Massachusetts and polished to a devastating sheen. The results speak for themselves: 'Aftermath' is titanium-plated modern thrash of the highest order.

“Every time we sit down and write new music, we try to do the best we can and to put all the new things and experiences we had over the last few years into the mix,” says Guillermo. “The new songs are pure ANGELUS APATRIDA. They’ve got every single essence of the band. There are many songs containing more personal feelings than on previous records. We’re going deep into our souls and feelings sometimes. Since we are living strange, difficult and dark times, we liked the concept of an aftermath. After everything that has happened since 2020 and is still happening in the world, in our society, and in our lives, a lot of strong feelings have come through in the music and lyrics.”

'Aftermath' is undoubtedly the most heartfelt and powerful record in ANGELUS APATRIDA’s illustrious history, but it’s also one of the heaviest and most direct. From the neck-wrecking adrenaline rush of opener "Scavenger" to the dark might of the closing "Vultures And Butterflies," the Spanish quartet’s eighth studio record displays the songwriting muscle and playing prowess of bands like Metallica, Testament and Pantera, while still delivering a huge, jolting dose of ANGELUS APATRIDA’s distinctive trademark attack.

“We can describe 'Aftermath' as what metal means to us,” Guillermo says. “It contains the best songs we've ever written. It is just very difficult to pick just one or two highlights on this album since every single track could be a single itself.”

Confirming their sturdy reputation in the global metal scene, ANGELUS APATRIDA invited some heavyweight figures to add their talents to 'Aftermath.' Hatebreed’s iconic frontman Jamey Jasta lends his caustic bark to "Snob," while Queensrÿche vocalist Todd La Torre lends his spectacular tones to "Vultures And Butterflies." Elsewhere, Pablo Garcia, guitarist with Spanish power metal legends Warcry, displays his virtuosity on the incendiary "Fire Eyes," and Spanish rap star Sho-Hai brings the noise on the brooding "What Kills Us All. "

With no need to regain momentum, ANGELUS APATRIDA is more ready than most to let rip again in 2023. 'Aftermath' marks a pinnacle in this band’s determined and always fruitful career. It’s a defiant, uplifting and resolutely metal-as-fuck response to an era defined by chaos and fear. It’s the sound of ANGELUS APATRIDA, doing what they do, but bigger, better, louder and with more passion than ever. 

“As soon as the album is released, we are starting a huge live campaign,” adds Guillermo. “We start with a big European tour that will cover most of the mainland and the U.K., and we are already working on getting back to Oceania and Asia, Latin America and making our return to the United States and Canada during the first half of 2024. Expect a great live festival season for summer 2024 and more tours! We’re coming!”

Line-up:

Guillermo Izquierdo – Vocals, Lead/Rhythm Guitars

David G. Álvarez – Lead, Rhythm Guitars

José J. Izquierdo – Bass Guitar

Víctor Valera – Drums

Special Guests:

Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) - vocals, "Snob "

Pablo García (Warcry) - guitars, "Fire Eyes"

Todd La Torre (Queensrÿche) - vocals, "Vultures and Butterflies"

Sho-Hai - vocals, "What Kills Us All"

Produced by Angelus Apatrida.

Recordings handled by Juanan López at Baboon Records in Albacete, Spain

Mixing and mastering by Zeuss (Rob Zombie, Overkill, Hatebreed, Municipal Waste, Shadows Fall) at Planet-Z in Wilbraham, MA, USA.)

Album Artwork: Gyula Havancsák (Annihilator, Destruction,

Stratovarius)

Photo Credit: Javier Bragado

Discography:

Evil Unleashed – CD 2006

Give ‘Em War – CD 2007

Clockwork – CD/LP 2010

The Call – CD/LP 2012

Evil Unleashed / Give 'Em War – 2CD 2013

Hidden Evolution – CD/LP 2015

Cabaret de la Guillotine – CD/LP 2018

Angelus Apatrida – CD/LP 2021

Aftermath – CD/LP 2023

Follow/Stream:

PRE-ORDER // PRE-SAVE

OFFICIAL WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

APPLE MUSIC

SPOTIFY

TIDAL

Locket Share "Blame My Brain"

Canadian alt rock band Locket recently announced their new album and second full-length Superluminal, out November 10 via Fearless Records. Pre-order it here.  

The band has shared another single from the album, this time in the form of the power pop anthem "Blame My Brain." It's got big hooks, bold harmonies, and it's brimming with melodies. It's incredibly catchy but also boasts hard-charging guitars to give it an extra edge. 

Listen to the song and watch the visualizer below.

"This song is about being so used to keeping thoughts to yourself, that by the time you're ready to open up or express yourself, the words escape you," says frontman Brad Garcia. "Almost like the introvert in me is keeping the extrovert at arm's length, but never closer. I'm envious of people I know who are able to express themselves so effortlessly. I'm sure people who grew up in similar households —  sharing wasn't really a part of the routine — can relate. Lyrics aside, this song was a perfect exercise for honing in on who we are, or were, when we started writing the record back in 2021. It's familiar territory explored through whatever lens we had at the time. Power chords and vocoders? Sure, why not."

Locket also performed their song "Sonic Bloom" for The Recording Academy's Press Play series. Watch it here.

Recording their second full-length, Garcia states, "When 'band world' got put on pause back in 2020, it almost felt like a sigh of relief. We found this sense of freedom in being able to just write music for no other reason than writing music. With real pressure we could just write riffs, not overthink anything. And I think because of that, sonically, the record feels so authentically us."

 He continues, "Thematically, I approached writing this record from this place of not knowing what's next (for the band or for ourselves as individuals). It ended up being this cathartic process of learning to deal with this central part of your life being forced across a tightrope, and ultimately learning to be alright if it slips and falls apart, because it might make way for a new chapter. We started writing this album as band guys in our twenties. By the time it comes out we'll be in our thirties, married, with a clearer understanding of who we are as people that have this insane privilege of making music together where people actually listen. We don't take that for granted. Also, we all think the album fuckin' rocks, so that's probably the most important thing."

Locket, whose core members (Garcia, guitarist Cory Bergeron and bassist Travis Morrison) have achieved more than they ever could have dreamed of when they started out 10 years ago in a band under a different name. Once reforming as Locket, they released the album All Out in late 2019. The record earned positive press from publications including Billboard, The Alternative,and New Noise, and the single "Hunnie" has racked up more than 1.6 million Spotify streams. 

Alternative folk-rock troubadour Fred Abong (Throwing Muses, Belly) unveils 'Fear Pageant' title track from seventh album

“Purity and honesty in his approach that gets more and more intense with each track... like you’re riding a wave of energy” ~ Higher Plain Music

“Thoughtful, minimalist. The ghost of Syd Barrett watches over everything... ‘another sonic leap forward” ~ Real Gone Rocks

“An almost painful intimacy to his words despite the oblique phrasing and imagery he conjures” ~ Isolation Records

“An ascent out of singer-songwriter folk territory into something bordering on punk and psychedelia” ~ Fatea Magazine

“Beautifully raw, uncluttered and quite cinematic... Melodically infectious and lyrically mysterious ~ Newport Naked


New Orleans-based alternative folk-rock artist Fred Abong presents his latest single 'Fear Pageant', the title track from his new 'Fear Pageant' album - his seventh to date. Released via Seattle label Disc Drive, on this album, Abong upholds his reputation for creating music that is a blend of “ragged Replacements and lyric-driven Bob Dylan” and “Elliott Smith with balls”.

“I have a habit of writing the title track for an album last, which is what happened with previous albums 'Homeless', 'Pulsing' and 'OMOPH', and now again with 'Fear Pageant'. I think it must be something about being steeped in the mood/vibe of the collection of songs that have slowly revealed themselves that makes it possible or even inevitable that a summation or capstone song would show up at the end," says Fred Abong.

"In any case, though somewhat short, the song 'Fear Pageant' distills the various elements of all the tracks into a little nugget of mystery, romance, dread, and groove. The video is less realized - light as a feather and kind of thrown together and spare - but I still think it works as an ephemeral companion to the song."

Fred Abong got his musical start in the 1980’s as a drummer, bassist and guitarist on the Rhode Island hardcore punk scene. In the early 1990s, he played bass for Throwing Muses and then Belly. He then put music on hold for academic pursuits, earning a PhD in Humanities and teaching at various universities for eight years before returning to music. Now back as a solo artist, Abong also plays bass in the Kristin Hersh Electric Trio.

A Filipino-American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Abong's music has a raw and unpolished production aesthetic with an overall direct, though deceptively imaginative and oblique, presentation. Abong has also been a practicing Vedic astrologer for the past 20 plus years.

"This album started with the love of a new guitar I had recently purchased - a gold Gretsch Rancher Penguin. As with all my guitars, I immediately adjusted it to baritone tuning and began writing. Pretty quickly, I had enough songs for a record. I knew these songs were going to get a fuller production treatment than previous efforts though. The main reason for this is that, like a good commie, I was finally in possession of the means of production, having been gifted a Mac Workbook, upon which to load my DAW of choice. With the aid of a keyboard MIDI controller, I could finally do everything myself, which has always been my dream. Fear Pageant is thus my first attempt at a truly DIY solo effort," says Fred Abong.

"Outside of these technical details, the songs are of course rooted in the same existential and romantic hangups as usual, i.e., in an ongoing anxiety about my tenuous place in the world and in the lives of intimates. Taken together, the subject matter of the songs struck me as a kind of never-ending personal drama, one that others might also identify with, of course, but one that feels incredibly ostentatious and elaborate ‘on the inside’. Like a one-man Fear Pageant, in other words."

In the lead-up to the album's release, Abong also released the lead singles 'Father' and 'My Way'. The new album itself follows Abong's 'Yellowthroat' album, released in 2022 and recorded with Rob Ahlers (50FOOTWAVE, Kristin Hersh Electric Trio).

His songs are existentially and romantically focused, poetic, and slightly off-kilter. Detuned guitars, unconventional song structures, and a raw and unpolished production aesthetic characterize the overall sound. Fred’s hypnotic, sometimes gravelly voice adds to the effect.

'Fear Pageant' is out now and available across fine music platforms, including Bandcamp. The record is available on vinyl or as a digital download.

CREDITS
Music and lyrics by Fred Abong
All songs recorded, mixed and performed by Fred Abong
All instruments by Fred Abong
Mastered by Fred Thomas
Videos by Fred Abong

Keep up with Fred Abong
Website | LinkTree | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Fred Abong Astrology | Press contact

Keep up with Disc Drive
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

Autarkh Announce New Album

AUTARK are unveiling their new album.

The Dutch contemporary metal band, which includes former members of Dodecahedron and current members of Inferum and Dear Mother, will release 'Emergent' on November 10, 2023 via Season of Mist Underground Activists. 
 
“We are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of our sophomore full-length album 'Emergent'", says Nienhuis. "The songs and storyline took shape in 2022 and were eventually funneled into an album with nine tracks that we recorded this year. We feel this is a next step in our artistic development – Emergent has a more open, diverse and radiant imprint that sheds light on different musical influences that inspire us. We are satisfied with the increased versatility and contrast this album has to offer, and we can’t wait to share it with the world!”

The first single, along with the pre-order for the new album, will be announced soon.

Dutch contemporary metal adventurers Autarkh are back with their sophomore full-length album Emergent. Michel Nienhuis, founder of Autarkh and Dodecahedrom, teamed up again with guitarist/producer David Luiten (Inferum), bassist Desmond Kuijk (Dear Mother) and electronics wizard Tijnn Verbruggen to create the follow-up to their highly acclaimed debut album 'Form In Motion', released by Season Of Mist on 12 March 2021. Monica Kendrick (Chicago Reader, US) on the relevance of the group’s debut: 

"And I’ll call it now: given the time to flourish and sink into the ears of an audience, Autarkh will become highly influential on the next generation of extreme metal." 

'Emergent' is another testament to Autarkh’s imagination and creativity. It delivers increased versatility and contrast, and sees the band expand towards more uplifting and consonant territories. Form In Motion explored the boundaries of sonic extremes; on 'Emergent', Autarkh broadens its horizon and shows diversity and nuance while preserving its intense and razor-sharp edge.

With nine tracks, 'Emergent' is a sonic exploration of the inner universe where all things light and dark can be encountered. The listener is lured into an "Open Focus" (a meditative state of mind) in preparation for an inward journey along the physical energy centers. From the thumping synth basses of "Strife" and the menacing sludgy melancholy of "Duhkha", we move into the bewildering blasts of "Trek", where stellar harmonies will eventually burst through the oppressive atmosphere. The trip continues with the crushing downtempo groove that enforces "Refocus", as well as the mind-bending a capella interlude "Aperture" and the frivolous "Eye Of Horus" and "Countless Kaleidoscopes", to finally deliver all-encompassing enlightenment with Ka. 

Composers Nienhuis’s and Luiten’s statements and states of mind capture the same capriciousness and unease of 'Form In Motion', this time leaving a more open, diverse and radiant imprint. With exciting vocal harmonies, bold contrasts and a vivid imagination, Autarkh sheds a bright light on the inner self and exposes it to the world with intensity and conviction. That makes Emergent an evocative release with a multilayered yet crystal-clear production that promises a bright future for Autarkh.

Line-up:
Michel Nienhuis: vocals & guitars
David Luiten: vocals & guitars
Desmond Kuijk: bass
Tijnn Verbruggen: synths & beats

Recording Studio: David Luiten Studio, Monodisc Studio, Moonbear Music & Engineering
Mix/Master: David Luiten

Cover artwork: Arno Frericks

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/AutarkhEmergent

Booking: info@autarkh.com

Formats:
CD Jewelcase
Digital
Vinyl in various colours

Links:
www.autarkh.com
www.facebook.com/autarkh
www.instagram.com/autarkhband
www.youtube.com/c/autarkh
www.autarkh.bandcamp.com

Grove Street Share Tour Survival-Themed Video For "Ulterior Motives"

DEBUT ALBUM THE PATH TO RIGHTEOUSNESS OUT SEPTEMBER 29 VIA UNFD

Southampton hardcore/thrash quintet GROVE STREET have released "Ulterior Motives," the latest taste from their debut album, The Path To Righteousness, out on September 29 through UNFD.

Watch the video below.

"'Ulterior Motives' is a song that goes through the motions of someone who is stuck in a toxic and abusive relationship with someone or something — be it a partner, friend or substance, or even a vice like gambling — and cannot find a way out. They keep getting pulled back into the situation at hand; they're in love, addicted, and can't see the impact of damage that's being done to them, because they've got rose-tinted glasses on," says guitarist Sandy.

He continues, "The second verse changes focus from the relationship/addiction itself to how people around that person turn a blind eye to what’s going on, because it's easier for many to just play ignorant to issues than to call it out or address it, which in turn just enables the problem to manifest further."

He also shares, "The outro finds the person coming to the realization that they're better off out of the relationship/addiction, and in order to live a better life they gotta move on. Musically, this is one of our favorite tracks on the record; I feel like it captures our sound as a whole perfectly; from the bouncy, hip-hop-inspired grooves in the intro that lead into the thrash feel. The outro is personally my proudest part of the record, I remember writing that and being so surprised with myself — like 'Where the fuck did that come from?'"

"The 'Ulterior Motives' video started life as a 'Tour Survival Guide' skit imagined by Sully (vocals). We were spitballing ideas in the van about all the trials and tribulations we've faced being in a touring band, reminiscing about all the previous funny ventures we've experienced together. Most of these skits are based on true stories, like the time our van got clamped in Slovenia and Joe (bass), using nothing but brute force, managed to rip it off. We hope that other bands can relate to our experiences, and it’ll also give people an insight into the touring lifestyle," says drummer Josh.

Though their origins stem from lively nights in a Southampton student house, a laugh between mates sessioning PlayStation, bonding over shared love of hardcore, metal and skate punk, UK quintet Grove Street have evolved into a fixture and figurehead of a thriving domestic heavy underground. Through years of white van grind across UK and Europe, Grove Street have sharpened their craft into a deadly weapon, one they're ready to draw. 

Taking influence from the giants of '90s hardcore and metal, thrash, punk and hip hop in equal measure, the Grove Street sound is absolutely stacked with grooves, riffs, and the kind of energetic pace that’ll send you straight to the chiropractor. 

Their forthcoming debut album, The Path To Righteousness, comes on like the Beastie Boys with breakdowns, Pantera with prose, Grove Street peppering their fury with a fun spirit that'll keep you grinning while riff onslaughts repeatedly thump you upside the head. But make no mistake — a joke band this ain't, their lyrics showcasing an insightful pulse and social conscience, tackling topics from police brutality to battling inner demons, beasts without and within. 

"We've worked on this record for a long time," recalls Sandy, who also produced and mixed the album at his home studio. "It was a labor of love, from its inception to the DIY approach we took with the recording and mixing. This being our debut full length, we knew we wanted to level up on every front, which led us to be meticulous with every detail on every part of every song. We couldn't justify rushing it for the sake of feeding the machine. We're extremely proud of it. Every track taps into a different part of what Grove Street is."

Pre-order The Path To Righteousness here.

GROVE STREET IS:
Sully — Vocals
Sandy — Guitar
Andy Harper — Guitar
Joe Paine — Bass
Josh Williams — Drums

Impure Wilhelmina Announce New EP

IMPURE WILHELMINA pull from a wide range of influences. 

For 25 years now, the Geneva quarter have rolled hardcore riffs, velveteen cleans, atmospheric sludge and gloomy melodies into post-metal that's as sharp and versatile as a Swiss Army Knife. No wonder they've earned comparisons to KEN Mode, Paradise Lost and The Smiths.  

Even the band's new EP casts a wide net. 'Dead Decades' includes covers of King Crimson, The Cure and Serge Gainsbourg. Head over to the Season of Mist YouTube channel and watch as Impure Wilhelmina flip the smoky, after-dark romance of "La Javanaise" into a lovestruck indie rock triumph.

"As soon as we thought about doing covers, this song came to mind", the band says. "Serge Gainsbourg, one of the major figures of twentieth-century French music, has been around us for a very long time, even if his musical universe is far removed from our own. 'La Javanaise' is one of his greatest (and least subversive) classics, published in 1963. This heavy cover of a song written before metal even existed contrasts with the light-hearted romanticism of the lyrics. It fits perfectly with the spirit of Impure Wilhelmina. For the video, we used archive footage of Paris in the 1960s to match the atmosphere. The whole thing was beautifully edited by Guilherme Henriques and the result is stunning!"

Along with the three covers, the new EP also includes two unreleased cuts from their recent album 'Antidote'.

'Dead Decades' comes out on October 6, 2023. Pre-order it HERE.

For 25 years, Impure Wilhelmina has been shaping a singular music on the borders of rock and metal. The Geneva quartet has never been afraid to reinvent itself and to push back the stylistic barriers, without ever losing its strong identity. Intensity, melody, power and melancholy are the key words that guide the band's discography, developing record after record a subtle blend of metal, post-hardcore, new wave and indie rock sounds.

Impure Wilhelmina has experienced many line-up changes over the years around Michael Schindl, singer-guitarist, main composer and lyricist. Founded in 1996, the group quickly built a reputation in the local, then Swiss and European independent scenes. The band has released a 7″, an EP, a split and seven full-length albums (see discography).

Impure Wilhelmina has regularly collaborated with sound engineers and producers Serge Morattel (I Can't Believe I Was Born In July – 2001, L'Amour, La Mort, L'Enfance Perdue – 2004, Prayers And Arsons – 2008) and Raphaël Bovey (Black Honey – 2014, Radiation – 2017). These five albums illustrate the constant musical evolution of the band, which from a very dark and metal base gradually incorporates more rock elements. The clear vocals occupy an increasingly important place in the compositions, reinforcing the intensity and melodic depth.

In 2015, thanks to the great response to Black Honey, Impure Wilhelmina signed with the reference metal label Season of Mist, which published Radiation two years later in 2017. Skillfully navigating between melodies and dissonances, always at the service of raw emotion, this sixth album was unanimously acclaimed by the press and the public, opening the doors to wider recognition.

In 2019, the band received great reward by being one of the four recipients of the grants for contemporary music awarded by the City of Geneva. This support has enabled Impure Wilhelmina to start working on a new album with confidence and with the will to develop their sound and get out of their comfort zone. The band put a lot of efforts in the elaboration and production of its new songs, notably by calling on Yvan Bing, producer and sound engineer, to accompany the four musicians throughout the creation process. This successful collaboration began in the summer of 2019 and continued for over a year, giving rise to Impure Wilhelmina's seventh album, Antidote. Released in may 2021, this album is a testament to the creativity and versatility of the band, which never ceases to explore new horizons without ever getting lost.
 
After two European tours in 2022 (with Crippled Black Phoenix and MØL, then Shores of Null), Impure Wilhelmina focused in 2023 on the vinyl reissue of their second album "I can't believe I was born in July", for its 20th anniversary, and the release of a new EP entitled “Dead Decades”, which features three covers and two previously unreleased tracks.

Line-up
Michael Schindl: Vocals/Guitars
Diogo Almeida: Guitars
Sébastien Dutruel: Bass
Mario Togni: Drums

www.impurenet.com
www.facebook.com/impurewilhelmina
www.instagram.com/impurewilhelmina
www.impurewilhelmina.bandcamp.com

Recording Studio:
‘La Javanaise’, ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘Plainsong’: Kitchen Studio, Geneva (CH)
‘Nebulæ’ and ‘Ignoramus’: HOFA Studio, Karlsdorf (DE)

Mix: Kitchen Studio / Yvan Bing
Master: Caduceus Studios / Ladislav Agabekov

Cover artwork: Mehdi Benkler (photography) / Giganto.ch

Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/IWDD

Booking: 
Switzerland: Martina Kull / Glad We Met: martina@gladwemet.ch
Europe/World: booking@impurenet.com

Formats:
Vinyl
Digital

BLEED FROM WITHIN | Release New Single 'The Will to Resist' Taken From 'Shrine Deluxe Edition' Out November 10th

Having completed a hugely successful debut American tour earlier this year with August Burns Red and The Devil Wears Prada, Bleed From Within are now currently in the midst of a colossal summer tour, taking in both headline shows, some performances with Heaven Shall Burn and festival appearances at the likes of Brutal Assault (Czech Republic), Summer Breeze (Germany) and Alcatraz (Belgium). This run is due to be topped off by a 13-date tour supporting Trivium across the UK and a visit to the USA for Blue Ridge Rock Fest.

To mark this energetic period of live shows, Bleed From Within have today released a new single titled 'The Will To Resist', taken from their Shrine Deluxe Edition which will be released on November 10th 2023.

Their stunning latest studio album Shrine was released in the summer of 2022, marking the band's most groundbreaking work to date and staking out Bleed From Within's bold intent. The Scottish 5-piece claiming their position as the most exciting prospect in modern metal.

Ali Richardson stated,
"It's been an amazing year for us since the release of Shrine! As the touring schedule started to fill up, we truly began to appreciate the effect the album was having on our career so we put this idea in motion of releasing a Deluxe Edition for our fans. The 3 new songs that can be found here were very nearly a part of the initial release. They're all very different in their composition and many arguments were had whilst settling on our final tracklisting. "The Will To Resist" takes the lead single here as a band favorite. I'm sure its intensity will resonate with our audience. You can visit our website to pre-order your copy of the limited edition vinyl and check out the merchandise we've put together alongside it. Thanks for the support!"

Watch 'The Will To Resist' visualizer below.
Stream 'The Will To Resist' + check out the Shrine Deluxe Edition here: https://bleedfromwithin.bfan.link/the-will-to-resist.ema  

Catch them live ,Sep 10 - Virginia, Blue Ridge Rock Fest

Bleed From Within released their stunning studio album Shrine in June 2022. It was the most fiercely anticipated record of their career, and their most groundbreaking work to date. 

More from Shrine:
'Temple Of Lunacy' visualizer: https://youtu.be/dB4arT5XN_Y
Flesh And Stone' official music video: https://youtu.be/NF6tw5XQFSM
'Stand Down' official music video: https://youtu.be/kJDMOvGYVqE
'Levitate' official music video: https://youtu.be/BGKS3mW2XPM
'I Am Damnation' official music video: https://youtu.be/swF5fiPdONo

Shrine was recorded at Real World Studios and at Bleed From Within's HQ, UK. The record was self-produced. Mixing was handled by Adam 'Nolly' Getgood and Sebastian Sendon, with engineering handled by Adam 'Nolly' Getgood and Bleed From Within. The Shrine artwork was created by David Provan, with layout by Simon Atkinson.

Bleed From Within have been to hell and back, but they are no strangers to enduring hardship. When a global pandemic threatened to shut down their plans, the Glaswegians collectively raised five middle fingers and pressed on. It’s no surprise that this unstoppable riff machine continues to crush forward at such a frantic pace – there's no putting the breaks on the heaviest band to ever emerge from Scotland.

The band’s reputation as one of the most formidable forces in modern metal has earned them tour slots with Megadeth, Lamb Of God, Testament and Heaven Shall Burn, to name just a few. 2021 saw them dominate the UK live scene; selling out their largest ever headline tour in November, capturing hearts on Bullet For My Valentine’s arena tour, slay a Lamb Of God livestream support slot, alongside (literally) blazing performances atDownload Festival and Bloodstock Festival.

Shrine has taken the most graft to put together of any record in their catalog, challenging their self-perception on both personal and technical levels - the culmination of two years of hard work that embodies their artistic might. Armed with the learnings of evolving their sound over the last decade without ever losing sight of their DIY roots, this is Bleed From Within at their very best. There’s no denying the band’s inevitable next steps are world domination, with Shrine a turning point moment.

Bleed From Within are:
Scott Kennedy - Vocals
Craig Gowans - Guitar
Steven Jones - Guitar
David Provan - Bass
Ali Richardson - Drums 

DORO - Releases New Single ´Living After Midnight´ Feat. Rob Halford

DORO Pesch stands as one of the greatest success stories in rock history.

In 1983, 19-year-old Dorothee Pesch from Düsseldorf set out to conquer the rock world. Today, 40 years later, with over 10 million studio albums sold and countless awards under her belt, DORO has been the undisputed Queen of Metal for decades. With over 3,500 concerts played in more than 60 countries around the world, she has earned herself an outstandingly powerful and enthusiastic fan base!

For this great 40th anniversary, the Metal Queen also invites you to two mega concerts: on August 2nd for a huge headline show at Wacken and on October 28th for her anniversary show in her former hometown Düsseldorf, as well as other worldwide festivals. Let's celebrate with her, our true Metal Queen!

Follow DORO on social media:
www.doro.us
 www.doromusic.com
www.instagram.com/dorometalqueen
www.facebook.com/DoroPeschOfficial
www.patreon.com/doropesch
www.tiktok.com/@doropeschofficial
www.twitter.com/DoroOfficial

DORO´s new masterpiece - Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud - will be released worldwide on October 27th via Nuclear Blast.

For this special anniversary album, celebrating her 40th year in music, it would be unthinkable not to have some guests of honour involved. So, the Metal God himself, Rob Halford of JUDAS PRIEST personally did DORO the honour of recording the immortal JUDAS PRIEST classic 'Living After Midnight' as a duet with her.

Rob Halford is one of DORO's all-time favourite vocalists, so this moment finally fulfils a dream that Doro has had since her very first tour with Judas Priest in 1986.

DORO and Rob Halford have breathed new life into this timeless classic, paying tribute to the roots of heavy metal.

DORO comments: "Judas Priest and Rob Halford have always been one of my biggest inspirations and continue to be my heroes. It was so great working with Rob. 'Living After Midnight' has always been one of my favourite songs and I'm so proud of our duet!"

Stream the song on all platforms: https://doro.bfan.link/living-after-midnight
Watch the lyric video below.
Pre-save the album here:  https://doro.bfan.link/conqueress

Conqueress - Forever Strong and Proud will be released with 14 brand new songs and 5 bonus tracks and comes in the following formats:

Jewel case

2CD Digibook with 36p booklet (including bonus tracks)

2LP in gatefold with 2 inserts | Splatter white/black

2LP in gatefold with 2 inserts | Marbled white/blue 

2LP in gatefold with 2 inserts | Red transparent

2LP in gatefold with 2 inserts | Picture

Box Set 2LP in gatefold with 2 inserts (incl bonus tracks) + 2CD Digibook with 36p booklet (including bonus tracks) + Pendant + Numbered & Signed Certificate + Poster + Patch + Pick

Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips to release Live album on August 25

SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS is the musical alliance of Derek Sherinian and Simon Phillips, whose parallel reputations in virtuosic sonic inventions combine on the backdrop of instrumental genre fusion. Though the two had written and recorded together in the past, commitments to other projects had kept them busy in their own circles for a time. Upon their reunion for the recording of 2020’s The Phoenix, the duo has been going strong with consistent new releases ever since. Now, they are pleased to announce the release of SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS LIVE, which exhibits the pair uniting once again for a collaborative effort, documenting a special concert recorded at The Grape in Ventura, California on August 29th, 2022. The set is due out on August 25th, 2023 on InsideOutMusic.

Joining Sherinian/Phillips are fellow creatives Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal on guitar and Ric Fierabracci on bass to round out the lineup of the evening. Several tracks from the latest studio album offering, Vortex, made their way into the set, such as the title track “Vortex”, “Seven Seas”, and “Aurora Australis” (the original recording of which featured Bumblefoot), alongside other instrumentals.

Today, they share another track from their upcoming album SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS – LIVE which was recorded at
The Grape (Ventura, CA) on August 29th, 2022.  Check the following link to listen to “Inertia (Live 2022):

SHERINIAN/PHILLIPS LIVE has every note - planned or jammed - captured like lightning in a bottle, taking listeners to the moment these sounds sparked from their instruments. The live performance sits naturally in a rock context, while reminiscent of jazz fusion concert structures, with room for each musician to stand out in a solo space, each carrying and trading unique melodies along the way.

Derek Sherinian: “After 20 years of making albums together, it was a great pleasure bringing this music to life with Simon for the first time.”

The album will be available in the following formats:
Black Vinyl | Ltd. CD Digipak | CD Jewelcase (North America)

Pre-Order is available via this LINK:  https://dereksherinian.lnk.to/SherinianPhillips-Live

Line-Up:
Derek Sherinian (keys/synth)
Simon Phillips (drums)
Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal (guitar)
Ric Fierabracci (bass)

Sherinian’s background as a composer and keyboardist extends well beyond his familiar Dream Theater run, with a notable solo career creating a landscape for contributions from an array of acclaimed musicians, alongside performance credits with the likes of Alice Cooper, Black Country Communion, Billy Idol, Whitesnake, Kiss, Black Label Society, and Sons of Apollo (doubling on production credits), among others.

Phillips has equally rooted himself as a well-respected drummer and composer in the rock, metal, and jazz worlds, with credits ranging from Toto, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck, The Who, Whitesnake, and Joe Satriani, to a discography in jazz fusion with Protocol, movie soundtracks, and beyond.

The diverse range of this pair’s individual talents collectively emerges through each work they craft together; Sherinian and Phillips continue to evolve their joint musical endeavors in new directions.

DEREK SHERINIAN online:
https://www.facebook.com/Derek-Sherinian-Official-361589234010473/ 
https://twitter.com/DerekSherinian
https://www.instagram.com/dereksherinianofficial/

SIMON PHILLIPS online:
https://www.simon-phillips.com/  
https://www.facebook.com/SimonPhillipsMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/simonphillipsofficial/ 

INSIDEOUTMUSIC ONLINE:
www.insideoutmusic.com
www.youtube.com/InsideOutMusicTV
www.facebook.com/InsideOutMusic
www.twitter.com/insideouteu

Twin Temple Announce Forthcoming New Album 'God Is Dead' Out Friday October 13

Twin Temple fans, rejoice! Today, the band has made their triumphant return in announcing their highly-anticipated sophomore album 'God Is Dead', set for release on the wickedest of days, Friday, October 13. In celebration of the unholy announcement, the high priest and priestess of Satanic Doo-Wop has released a new track from the forthcoming full-length, "Burn Your Bible". Speaking about 'God Is Dead', Twin Temple shares:

"Despite relentless death threats and moralizing, our allegiance to Satan and the golden oldies remains unwavering. 'God Is Dead' is our most blasphemous, horny and painstakingly period-correct work to date. Saturated with the blood of babies, and forged in the ashes of burning churches, we spared no one in the making of this album. See you in Hell!"

'God Is Dead' will also be available in "Pink Palace" (baby pink) and "Broken Church Glass" (Coke bottle green) vinyl formats, both available at the link here. Pre-order the album here and stream "Burn Your Bible" here.

After bewitching attendees at this year's San Diego Comic Convention for their signing debut, Twin Temple will soon be enthralling audiences across the US alongside Danzig, Behemoth, and Midnight starting this month. The band will also be making a special guest appearance in direct support of Tiger Army with T.S.O.L. opening at the Hollywood Palladium in late October. Click here for ticket information, and be sure to stay tuned for more Twin Temple news as the band prepares to unleash their latest infernal masterpiece on the world.

Upcoming Tour Dates With Danzig, Behemoth + Midnight

August 25 - Las Vegas, NV @ The Theater at Virgin Hotels

August 26 - Norco, CA @ SilverLakes

August 27 - Mesa, AZ @ Mesa Amphitheatre

August 28 - Albuquerque, NM @ Revel Entertainment Center*

August 31 - Oklahoma City, OK @ The Criterion*

September 1 - Irving, TX @ The Pavilion At Toyota Music Factory

September 2 - San Antonio, TX @ Tech Port Center

September 3 - Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall

September 6 - Atlanta, GA @ Coca-Cola Roxy

September 8 - Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom*

September 9 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Ovation Hall

September 10 - Reading, PA @ Reverb*

September 11 - Boston, MA @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway

September 13 - Cleveland, OH @ Euclid Masonic Temple

September 14 - Detroit, MI @ Masonic Temple Theatre

September 15 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE^

September 16 - Newport, KY @ MegaCorp Pavilion

September 17 - Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

September 19 - St. Louis, MO @ The Hawthorn^

September 20 - Kansas City, MO @ The Truman^

September 21 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Fillmore Minneapolis^

September 23 - Englewood, CO @ Gothic Theatre^

* With Behemoth and Midnight only

^ With Behemoth and Imperial Triumphant only

With Tiger Army + T.S.O.L.

October 27 - Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium

GRAVEYARD Announce New Album "6" + Release Video For First single "Twice"

Swedish hard rock band GRAVEYARD have revealed details of their new album “6,” that's set to be released on September 29th via Nuclear Blast Records. Alongside the announcement, the band have also released the video for first single “Twice,” their first new music in five years. “6” is easily identifiable as the most striking, original album of GRAVEYARD’s story so far. A gently lysergic blend of desolate guitars, simmering Hammond and lithe, nimble bass and drums, the Swedes demonstrate a lightness of touch that they have only hinted at in the past.

The band comments, "Finally it’s here, ready to be harvested and enjoyed like the forbidden fruit in your backyard. We are very, very happy being able to share album number 6 with you all very soon. Peace out.”

Watch the video for first single “Twice” below-

Pre-order the album and stream “Twice” now at: https://graveyard.bfan.link/6-album.ema

The album was recorded at Silence Studios and Don Pierre Studios and was produced byDon Ahlsterberg, who previously worked with the band on “Graveyard” (2007), “Hisingen Blues” (2011) and “Lights Out” (2012).

About GRAVEYARD:

As enduring and authentic as an old school leather jacket, GRAVEYARD have long since mastered the art of rock’n’roll. Formed in 2006 in Gothenburg, Sweden, their shared passion for hard rock, psychedelia and the eternal bedrock of blues marked them out from the start. Led by vocalist/guitarist Joakim Nilsson, they opened their account with their now seminal self-titled Tee Pee Recordings debut in 2007, showcasing fiery chemistry and some wildly imaginative songwriting. Subsequently snapped up by the mighty Nuclear Blast Records, the band’s rise to prominence was swift and irresistible.
 
In 2008, guitarist Jonatan Ramm expanded the ranks, joining Nilsson, bassist Rikard Edlund and drummer Axel Sjöberg for the recording of second album Hisingen Blues. A critical smash that more than lived up to the hype, it established GRAVEYARD as rock’n’roll heavyweights. A thunderous, soul-stirring live band, with subtlety and swagger in equal amounts, they spent the next decade keeping fans of loose-limbed and earthy rock music in a near-constant state of rapture. From the rootsy clatter of 2012’s Lights Out to the magical, muscular grooves of 2018’s Peace (taking in the sepia-tinted folk doom of 2015’s Innocence & Decadence along the way), GRAVEYARD have made some of the most vital and vivid heavy rock of the 21st century.

GRAVEYARD is
Joakim Nilsson - vocals, guitar
Jonatan Ramm - vocals, guitar
Truls Mörck - vocals, bass
Oskar Bergenheim - drums

Follow GRAVEYARD:

https://www.facebook.com/graveyardofficial/

https://twitter.com/graveyard

https://www.instagram.com/graveyardmusic/

Sleep Theory Announce "Paper Hearts" EP + Share "Gone or Staying"

Sleep Theory — vocalist Cullen Moore, guitarist Daniel Pruitt bassistPaolo Vergara, and drummer Ben Pruitt — announced their signing to Epitaph Records earlier this summer. Today, the band has announced that it will release the Paper Hearts EP on September 29 via the label. Pre-order it here.

The band has also shared "Gone or Staying." Watch it below.

''Gone or Staying' is the breaking point in a relationship that is built on emotions and broken promises. It is the stuggle between wanting things to work and the need to move on," the band explains.

The numbers don't lie. 

Sleep Theory's recent single "Numb"  — follows the band's debut single "Another Way," which arrived in January 2023 and amassed 500k views on TikTok within 36 hours of release. Together, the two tracks have generated over 16 million streams and each shot to No. 1 on SiriusXM's Octane Chart, sitting in the top slot for three weeks a piece. The reaction was intense, and as such, the band was also selected for SiriusXM/Pandora's Artist Accelerator Program and will be a part of their Next Wave Concert Series in September. This all happened in the span of six months.

 But what seemed like an overnight success (or an "industry plant" playing to the algorithm, as some trolls theorized) has actually been years in the making.

Since retiring from the U..S Army several years ago, Moore has dedicated his life to carving his own path in the music industry. Officially starting Sleep Theory in 2019, the current incarnation of his musical journey began as a studio project to fuse his love of hard rock, funk, and R&B.

Now a four-piece band, which came to be on the back of a chance meeting via Facebook Marketplace, Sleep Theory have achieved a pair of No. 1 singles, played their first run of shows to massive crowds, and signed to Epitaph Records. Combining metalcore-like breakdowns with bluesy grooves and a pop sensibility made for modern radio, "Numb" has landed at No. 31 on the Active Rock chart.

Sleep Theory just wrapped up a tour with Shinedown, which happened to be their first tour ever, and that they will be supporting Set It Off later this month.

SLEEP THEORY ON TOUR:
WITH SET IT OFF:
8/25 — Oklahoma City, OK — Diamond Ballroom 
8/26 — Dallas, TX — The Echo Lounge & Music Hall 
8/28 — Tucson, AZ — Rialto Theatre 
8/30 — San Diego, CA — House Of Blues 

WITH I PREVAIL + BADFLOWER:
9/21— Columbus, OH — Kemba Live!

HEADLINE:
 9/28 — Las Vegas, NV — Hard Rock Cafe/G2 Rock Gathering

Carnation Break the Formula on New Single "Replicant"

CARNATION haven't stopped bringing back old-school death metal. The Belgian band still honor the genre's storied traditions on their upcoming album 'Cursed Mortality'. Just listen to new single "Replicant", which crashes downhill with the impending crunch of a boulder in a booby-trapped dungeon. 

But Carnation aren't slaves to the past, either. "Replicant" wasn't inspired by another gory slasher flick. It takes cues from the sci-fi classic 'Blade Runner'. Even though Simon Duson makes mince meat of the movie's most quotable line with his stench-spewing death growl, his cleans wring fresh anguish out of the gloomy melodic leads. 'Cursed Mortality' isn't just a revival. It's a rebirth.

Watch the medieval, headbanging video for "Replica" below.

         
Here's what Duson had to say about Carnation's new single: "What would you do if you came to realize that you were programmed to live for only four years? Would you accept the outcome, or try to figure out a way to extend your lifespan? Replicant is a song about dealing with the finiteness of our existence. The song was inspired by Roy Batty, a character from the movie Blade Runner. His tale perfectly embodies the message we want to portray with this track. Musically, it's quite diverse and different compared to most of the music we have created until now. We hope this will be a welcome surprise for new and old fans alike."

'Cursed Mortality' comes out November 3rd. The album is now available for pre-order HERE. Pre-save it HERE.

The surreal cover art for 'Cursed Mortality' was created by the late, great Mariusz Lewandowski, whose dark and surreal vision perfectly captures the feel of this album. Lord of the Logos' Christophe Szpajdel created a brand new logo and symbol to reflect this new era of Carnation.  

For the last decade, CARNATION has been at the forefront of reviving old school death metal. There’s something to be said about the artfulness of taking something so primitive and walking that fine line between keeping its classic authenticity without sounding tired or dated. Carnation has always teetered this line, injecting a fresh and contemporary approach without losing the genre’s time-honored traditions. However, the band’s third endeavor sees Carnation erasing those boundaries entirely and abandoning any and all conventions as they traverse into daring new territory. ‘Cursed Mortality’ pulls the Belgian death dealers deeper into experimental new waters, taking risks as the band steps out of the shadows of its predecessors and comes into its own identity. 'Cursed Mortality's' statement is clear: This is no longer simply a revival; this is Carnation’s rebirth.

“We still play death metal and we still identify as such” explains frontman Simon Duson. “But we know that this is also our second decade performing it. And while it is very important for us to stay true to the old-school style, we know we had to open things up a bit and reach out to those who might be interested in extreme metal, but aren’t that much into the old aspect of it. It also feels fresher to us because we’ve decided to change our visual approach, with a new logo, a new look on stage and so on. In a way, it really feels like the beginning of a new chapter for Carnation.”

Album number three is much more than just a new chapter, but rather feels like a sequel to an already storied career, punctuated by press accolades, an impressive history of live performances, and a lauded discography consisting of several EPs, splits, and two critically acclaimed full-length albums.

With the debut of its first EP in 2015, Carnation quickly garnered the attention of fans, media, and most notably of all, record label Season of Mist, who quickly noticed the band’s potential and picked them up without hesitation. Upon forming this union, the band dropped its first full-length, ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ in 2018. Angry Metal Guy astutely noted that the Belgians’ debut album was “one of the best death metal debuts of the year, and Carnation have earned their place as one of the most promising new bands in the genre'' while Distorted Sound Magazine echoed these remarks, calling ‘Chapel of Abborhance’ “one of most brutalizing, well executed and, above all, fun, death metal releases of 2018'' in its 9/10 review of the album.

Carnation’s momentum only seemed to pick up from there. The band kept busy on the road, performing a variety of tours with their death metal brethren in Deserted Fear, Schirenc Plays, Pungent Stench, and Pestilence, while headlining stages in Japan and Brazil. Upon conquering the live circuit and laying waste to audiences across three different continents, the band unleashed its 2020 opus, ‘Where Death Lies,’ which broke them out from the underground with the kind of seismic force that most bands can only dream of. If the critics liked ‘Chapel of Abhorrance,’ ‘Where Death Lies’ was the moment they fell in love, enamored by Carnation’s relentless brutality and crushing precision.

While touring had been halted that year, Carnation never stagnated nor waivered. The band’s tenacity paid off with their sophomore effort being named among one of the best records of the year by The Pit, Chicago Music Guide, Pandemonium Metal, and many more, while the single “Iron Discipline'' was singled out by Loudwire as one of the best songs of 2020. Legacy outlet Kerrang! also took notice, ranking the band among the “50 Greatest Death Metal Bands Right Now,” cracking the top 20 picks.

While the Belgian slayers still stay true to their roots, they step outside of their comfort zone with more groove, melody, and progression, showcasing their versatility as musicians and clearly defining their own unique sound. ‘Cursed Mortality’ sounds darker, with passages of melancholic melodies that compliment the heaviness.

Most bands might feel anxious about making such dramatic changes, especially to incorporate clean vocals within such extreme music, Carnation embraces the unknown and does not fall victim to fear or monotony. “As artists, it's something natural,” explains Verstrepen about why the band has shifted direction. “Doing the same thing over and over again doesn't inspire us. We love to create and we love to explore new paths. We knew some people wouldn't like clean vocals in death metal, but we don't want to think of that too much. We stand 100% behind our music and we really like what we did here. Some people will drop out, but there will definitely be others joining! As Lemmy would say, 'You win some, you lose some.'”

Indeed, a personal metamorphosis is always a risk, but one that historically has paid off. The first records of bands like Black Sabbath, Carcass, Death, or even Bathory sound nothing like the mid-late era offerings of those very same artists, and yet, those records that strayed off the beaten path are regarded as some of the most seminal albums in the history of metal. Playing it safe sounds easy, but it isn’t always a part of a legend’s origin story. And Carnation isn’t here to play by the rules; the band is ready to take a leap of faith and redefine an era.

Lineup:
Simon Duson: Vocals
Jonathan Verstrepen: Lead Guitar
Bert Vervoort: Rhythm Guitar
Yarne Heylen: Bass Guitar
Vincent Verstrepen: Drums

Recording studio: Project Zero Studio

Producer / Mixing engineer: Yarne Heylen

Mastering studio and engineer: Joel Wanasek

Biography: Katy Irizarry

Links:
https://www.carnationband.com/         
https://www.facebook.com/CarnationBE/          
https://www.instagram.com/carnationbandofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/c/CarnationOfficialBE
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7s6SmrbyQvp26jN5EbnU9u

Pre-save: https://orcd.co/cursedmortalitypresave
Pre-order: https://redirect.season-of-mist.com/CarnationCM

Available Formats:
CD digipak
Digital
12” vinyl in various colours
Merchandise

Southampton indie power pop artist Mike Gale releases 'Grumble Pie' single, previewing landmark album

"‘Summer, Be Gone’ actually feels like a warm zephyr floating through an open window on a balmy summer’s day... like water bouncing off silk... a most wonderful and unique chorus which goes against the pop-norm by being a ghostly shimmer of reverb and wistfulness" ~ Joyzine

"Adorned with easy grace, this is triumphal folk-pop at its finest... like something Tame Impala and The Beach Boys might have performed together under the heavy influence of Paul Simon" ~ The Spill Magazine

"Equal parts charming and entertaining. A presentation of Gale's unique mind and it's abilities as a wonderfully adept melody making machine" ~ Headstuff

"A beautifully articulated songbook throughout. Swimmingly brilliant in it's indie slacker charm" ~ Monolith Cocktail


British indie pop artist Mike Gale has released his new single 'Grumble Pie', the second taste of world / folk-inspired indie pop from his forthcoming album 'Thanks for Always Waving' (out September 8). This comes on the trail of 'Summer Be Gone', an atypical summer anthem, for which the accompanying video was filmed in Suzhou, China by Matt Wallwork, featuring the artist Kimvi. 

Gale may not be a household name, but his music is universal, positively-vibed lo-fi bedroom pop. Generating catchy melodies and harmonies despite dubbing himself "a prolific, lo-fi recluse", this will be his 20th album in 20 years. Initially writing and performing under the Co-Pilgrim and Black Nielson monikers, this is the twelfth album released under his own name.

"I've been listening to a lot of Tall Dwarfs music and their use of rhythm and space. I really love those guys and I think ‘Grumble Pie’ owes a lot to them. I found the really cool, driving percussion sample first and built the song up from there. I suppose that, lyrically, it's about trying to focus on the things you have, rather than don't have. Seems like something that should be easy to do," says Mike Gale.

“I remember Grumble Pie being that song that happens with most albums I've done, where you get a feel for the direction the album is going to go. I felt like I had a handle on the rest of the recording after this one. I also left my mistake in the guitar solo bit to remind myself never to do solos.”

While a multi-instrumentalist, playing all the instruments heard on this album, Gale considers himself to be primarily a guitarist. Singing for as long as he can remember, he formally began playing a the guitar and writing his own music around 20, citing The Lemonheads as a big influence in those early years.

Born in Southampton and raised there for some years, Mike Gale spent a good chunk of his childhood in North Devon and some of his formative years in Oxford, New York and Melbourne before returning home to settle on his beloved south coast of England.

With Gale taking melodic and percussive cues from influences such as Tall Dwarfs, Pavement and The Clean, 'Thanks for Always Waving' is ultimately one of his most pop-orientated albums to date, filled with mellow bongo beats and gentle washes of wavey organs.

Mike Gale explains, "I'm naturally introverted and have never enjoyed being onstage in front of people, so performing live was always my least favourite part of making music. Now I'm solo I feel no pressure to perform live at all, maybe one day but for now I'm happy. Recording by myself at home seemed to open a flood of songs and creativity. I think the lack of any expectations just helped me make music for the pure enjoyment of it."

As of August 8, 'Summer Be Gone' will be available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp, where the full album (out September 8) is also available for pre-order.

CREDITS
Written and performed by Mike Gale
Produced, recorded and mixed by Mike Gale
Mastered by Todd Tobias (Guided By Voices, Circus Devils)
Single cover photo by Akira Deng
Video filmed by Matt Wallwork in Suzhou, China
Actress featuring Kimvi

Keep up with Mike Gale
Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Apple Music | Spotify | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Email

EXMORTUS Shreds On Classical Cover "Storm Of Strings"

Southern Californian melodic death shredders EXMORTUS have revealed the final single, "Storm Of Strings," ahead of the highly anticipated release of their 6th studio album, "Necrophony," that's out August 25th from Nuclear Blast Records. On their latest song, EXMORTUS puts their signature shred into a cover of legendary new age artist Yanni’s song “The Storm,” which was based off of the great Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi’s concertos “The Four Seasons.”

Commenting on the single, guitarist/vocalist Conan says: 
"We've been meaning to cover this piece for a long time and now it feels right for Necrophony. Honoring two artists at once, we give you a heavy metal shred version of Yanni's arrangement of Vivaldi's Summer Concerto. Enjoy the groove, enjoy the passion!"

Pre-order "Necrophony":  https://exmortus.bfan.link/necrophony.a01

Stream "Storm Of Strings": https://exmortus.bfan.link/storm-of-strings

“STORM OF STRINGS” MUSIC VIDEO:

In celebration of “Necrophony’s” debut, EXMORTUS will invade Alhambra, California’s iconic metal roadhouse Grill ‘Em All for an album release party on Friday, August 25th.

EXMORTUS Tour Dates:

Sept 17 - Anaheim, CA - Metal Injection Festival @ House of Blues

Nov 18 - Los Angeles, CA - 1720 (w/Vio-Lence, Bonded By Blood)

About EXMORTUS:

Los Angeles-based neo-classical extreme metal mavens Exmortus return on new album, "Necrophony." Four years in the making, the group’s sixth album offers nothing but savage rebirth and fierce renewal. "Necrophony" marks a significant turning point—one foretold by the Legions of the "Undead" EP in 2019—for the Angelenos. Not only have they emerged from the throes of the pandemic stronger, faster and crazier, they’ve signed on to global metal powerhouse Nuclear Blast. The passion and fury of lead-off single “Oathbreaker” is merely the tip of Exmortus’ darkest tower. Follow-on singles like the powerful “Mind of Metal” and “Storm of Strings,” a whistle-stop, no-joke cover of Greek-American composer Yanni interpreting Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” add greatly to Exmortus’ masterly oeuvre.
 
Exmortus was founded in 2002. The group issued a bevy of well-received demos and EPs that culminated in debut In Hatred’s Flame in 2008. Since then, Gonzalez—now flanked by specialists Phillip Nuñez (bass), Chase Becker (guitars, Warbringer), and Adrian Aguilar (drums, Vio-lence)—has gone on to release four more fan-favorite full-lengths. Exmortus have toured with Amon Amarth, Obituary, Death Angel, and more, playing gigs in North America and Europe. The group’s highlights have also included a stint with thrash legends Exodus at industry lighthouse event NAMM and a coveted spot on the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise. "Necrophony," a portmanteau of “necro” and “phony” (or “dead sounds”), is Exmortus bigger, badder and wickedly restless.
 
Written from a fresh slate, Necrophony’s origins can be traced to preludes “Masquerade,” “Overture,” and the intro to “Children of the Night.” Once Exmortus had the feel down, they settled on expanding on the motifs by forging Viennese sophistication with metal might. Careful observers will hear Exmortus’ clever use of the album’s musical theme throughout its 12-song range. That includes “Darkest of Knights” and the aforementioned “Children of the Night,” as well as Necrophony’s shorter bursts of bravado in “Oathbreaker” and “Beyond the Grave.” The most important attributes were, however, vibe and Exmortus’ careful crafting of their next-gen sonic fingerprint.
 
Whereas previous albums up through 2018’s "The Sound of Steel" have been predicated on heroic fantasy/sword & sorcery, "Necrophony" turns a decidedly darker page. Exmortus have gone from a "Conan the Barbarian" and "Gladiator" aesthetic to something blacker, more nefarious as illustrated by the eeriest and evilest Lovecraftian and Tolkien-esque tales. There’s even a classic horror thing happening. This is, of course, a reflection of our immediate world, and the darkness that’s engulfing everything in it.
 
Exmortus invited Renaissance man Zack Ohren (Fallujah, Immolation) to return as engineer, producer, mixer and mastering ace on "Necrophony." Certainly, the team that had cemented the group’s three previous albums into the annals of metaldom was going to work yet again. With Ohren at the helm, Exmortus holed up in Sharkbite Studios in Oakland, CA. "Necrophony" was fast-tracked in just under two weeks. The result is a clap of virtuosic metal sure to leave fans battered, bloodied, and hungry for more violent opulence.
 
With “Oathbreaker,” “Mind of Metal” and “Storm of Strings” ringing darkened ears Exmortus’ paroxysmal ascent to extreme metal’s upper echelons is guaranteed with "Necrophony." Bow in reverence to the high-flying, six-stringed dynasts now.

Follow EXMORTUS:
www.exmortusmusic.com
www.facebook.com/exmortusofficial
www.instagram.com/exmortus_official

New Jersey's CR and The Nones present 'The Ghosts Are Coming Home, second single from forthcoming album

"One of the great listens of the year, with this record Gennone has crafted a stirring song-cycle that’s redolent with musical finesse and real indie rock smarts" ~ Stereo Embers Magazine

"With a timbre similar to Elliot Smith and Christopher Cross, CR and The Nones has a huge and positive sound that recalls the best of 70s AM radio, as well as select output from certain 90s artists like Weezer and Better Than Ezra" ~ Amplify Music Magazine

"This feels like a new chapter for C.R.’s song-writing, stepping out from his musical roots and shaping his sound into something entirely his own" ~ For The Rabbits

"Gennone channels Neil Young in the melancholy delivery of vocals that perfectly conveys the longing of trying to reach for the stars while knowing you may not even grab one" ~ You Don't Know Jersey


New Jersey band CR and The Nones present the single 'The Ghosts Are Coming Home', previewing their second album by the same name and, to be released via Montclair-based Magic Door Record Label. This follows the first single from this record 'The Long Game'.

Self-produced by Chris Gennone (CR to his friends), this album was mixed by renowned producer Ray Ketchem (Guided By Voices, Luna, Versus, Elk City, Gramercy Arms) at Magic Door Recording Studio in Montclair, NJ and mastered by Nick Bolton at Bolton Sound in Jersey City.

Gennone came of age playing in a variety of different projects in suburban New Jersey, including his former band, CR and The Degenerates, who released five albums from 2016 to 2018. This new project has allowed him to expand the unique hybrid of folk, country, punk, and heartland rock. CR and The Nones retains the Degenerates' core of Chris Gennone, lead/slide guitarist Jim Abbott, and bassist John Dewitt.

Recalling past Garden State guitar music, Gennone’s soulful vocals and his band’s driving hooks invoke roads, journeys, and forward motion in general. Counting Neil Young and Jason Molina among major influences, his sound has always been propulsive. In 2020, CR and The Nones released their debut album 'Living In Fear' via Favorite Friend Records.
 
'The Ghosts Are Coming Home' is a culmination of the sound and aesthetic that CR Gennone has been building over many years and multiple bands. With an expansiveness and introspection that recalls The War on Drugs or early My Morning Jacket, the ten tracks here showcase an irresistible sincerity and heartfelt delivery.

"This is the oldest song on the record. I wrote it while I was recording 'Living in Fear', but it's gone through a variety of different arrangements. The vibe just didn't really fit with the rest of the songs and it felt like a good direction to go in for the next album," says CR Gennone.

"It's probably one of the most visual songs I've written. I was driving in my car and the lyrics and title came really fast, all at once. I had to pull over and put it in my phone. I had this overwhelming feeling at that moment in my life, that the chickens had come to roost. The ghosts are coming home."

Album pre-order  https://crandthenones.bandcamp.com/album/the-ghosts-are-coming-home-2
Order 'The Ghosts Are Coming Home' single  https://bit.ly/3qtxsoK
Bandcamp  https://crandthenones.bandcamp.com/track/the-ghosts-are-coming-home-2
Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/artist/1W5ERTYjN2pJJBQ8dV40IJ

Like many artists, the pandemic and resultant free time allowed Gennone to be more thoughtful, and purposive in his songwriting for this album. Being forced out of his normal songwriting process and comfort zone opened Gennone to new influences, and his resulting growth as a songwriter is evident. While friends from the NYC and NJ music scenes contributed ideas and sounds, some influences are not as obvious. Gennone recalls listening to Brian Eno non-stop while recording 'Ghosts', and the synth sounds and ambient textures that underpin much of the album are certainly a testament to that.

As of August 9, 'The Ghosts Are coming Home' single will be available from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. The full album 'The Ghosts Are Coming Home' will be released on September 8 and is now available for pre-order.

CREDITS  
Written by CR Gennone
CR Gennone - Vocals, Guitars, Tambourine, Synths, Piano
James Abbott - Guitar, Lap Steel
John Dewitt - Bass
Tom Barrett - Drums
Featuring Ryley Crowe (from the band Dusk) - Pedal Steel
Kyle Wilkerson (from the band Joy Cleaner) - Vocals
Skylar Adler - Drums
Donnie Law - Guitar
Chris Fox (from the band, Ruby Bones) - Guitar
Ross Burlingame - Piano  
Produced by CR Gennone
Engineered by CR Gennone, Skylar Adler, and Andrew Merclean
Mixed by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording in Montclair, NJ
Mastered by Nick Bolton at Bolton Sound in Jersey City, NJ
Video filmed and edited by Joe Evans III
                                 

Keep up with CR and The Nones
Website | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Magic Door Label
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | YouTube | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Soundcloud | Instagram | LinkedIn | Email

RED REIGN AND DEKO ENTERTAINMENT TEAM UP FOR THE RELEASE OF FORTHCOMING ALBUM "DON’T LOOK BACK" OUT ON OCTOBER 27

Richmond, VA-based rockers Red Reign take 80’s influences and steer them in a more contemporary direction – bridging the sounds of yesterday and today. The band is comprised of members singer/guitarist Carlton “Bubba” McMichael, guitarist Stevie Shred, bassist Larry Moore, and drummer Sammy Lee. Red Reign has worked with Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum producer
David Ivory (Halestorm) on both its releases: 2021’s self-titled EP and 2023’s forthcoming full-length Don’t Look Back.

Don’t Look Back, the ten-track LP is bolstered by such standout tracks as “Don’t Look Back”- highlighted by a guest appearance from guitarist George Lynch--“Here I Am,” and “No Peace, No Love.” As the band explains, “Don’t Look Back” is the favorite track as it does feature George Lynch. “It is all the ingredients for a great song: raw, heavy and melodic. It’s a song about reminiscing in the past, which were not great memories. After the reflection, this person decides to not look back any longer and one day decides to move forward with living their best life and making new, positive memories.” They continue, “Having George Lynch on a song is a dream come true. We met George through a mutual friend (Neeley from the ‘Classic Metal Show’). We asked George to guest star on a track and he agreed.”

Listen to the title track here: ADA.lnk.to/RedReignDLB

Having already shared the stage with the likes of Dokken, Extreme, Jackyl, Lita Ford, and Tesla, Red Reign looks forward to spreading the word further with live shows in support of Don’t Look Back. The band is thrilled to join the Deko Entertainment family as Sammy Lee asserts, “We are very excited to have teamed up with Deko Entertainment for our new studio album Don’t’ Look Back. Bruce, Charlie, and the Deko team have been wonderful to work with and share our vision for promoting the new album globally.” Deko Entertainment president, Bruce Pucciarello, agrees, “With our energy bill at Deko totally paid, we are dialing up the power…Red Reign.  High voltage!”

When asked the following questions about their future this is how the guys responded. What can fans expect from seeing the band live?

“Playing live shows is the most important factor of Red Reign. We are a live band before anything else. The energy we feed to the crowd makes every performance exciting and more unique than the last. After the show, we go out and connect with our fans which makes each show special in its own right.”

Tour plans?

“Our first goal is to get the new album released. Once that is completed, we will be focusing on touring and looking to play as many cities as we can.” Don’t Look Back will be available on CD and limited-edition vinyl."

Preorder your copy now and get a limited-edition bundle while supplies last: https://bit.ly/red-reign-merch

Bundle Includes:
- (1) Red Reign - Don't Look Back CD or LP
- (1) Red Reign - Coozie
- (1) Red Reign - Sticker
- (1) Red Reign - T-Shirt

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/RedReignBand/
Deko Entertainment–Art Has Value www.dekoentertainment.com 

California-based postpunk outfit Octavian Winters present 'Undertow' single, previewing debut EP

"The track feels like it was recorded in a studio deep beneath the earth, drawing power from subterranean caves and bubbling magma. There’s tectonic thunder in the pounding drums and rumbling bass... Such power, strong and true, a voice that scales the wall of sound beneath her with ease" ~ Joyzine


San Francisco post-punk outfit Octavian Winters presents their new single 'Undertow', a dark propulsive offering underlining an aspect of separation from the world and the darkness that comes out of it - a sort of ominous current capable of pulling someone away from all hope. The accompanying video was directed, filmed, edited and  produced by Jay Adams with design by Eric Olson and Steve Devaney.

Born into the ghostly isolation of San Francisco in 2022, Octavian Winters is Stephan Salit (guitar), Randy Gzebb (drums), Jay Denton (bass) and Ria Aursjoen (vocals, keyboards), who together weave their visceral and ethereal sound into a texture all its own – of stories once told but half-remembered, under a dusk of shadows and stars, in an abandoned city under the winter moon.

Drawing from darkwave and post-punk traditions, Octavian Winters dives into the ethereal, their layered music counterpointing edged grooves alongside lush synth textures and soaring vocal harmonies.

'Undertow' is the second single from the quartet's debut EP 'The Line of Curve', recorded in San Francisco at OW Studio and Room 5 Recording by Mark Pistel (Meat Beat Manifesto, Consolidated). Produced by Octavian Winters and William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse, Christian Death, The March Violets), whose credits include Jarboe, Clan of Xymox, Bootblacks and Autumn, the EP was mixed and mastered by Faith at 13 Studio in Chicago.

'Undertow' is loosely inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale of the little matchgirl, standing outside a window on a winter’s night, separated from all sustenance and warmth. Ignored by everyone around, and unable to sustain herself after lighting all her matches for warmth, she freezes to death in the snow.

“Could you join me here, could you find a way to melt the bones of the night?” Aursjoen sings, referencing the theme of isolation again, and the yearning for connection that will never come. “I think we have seen this dark ‘undertow’ overcome so many people in different and tragic ways during quarantine,” says Ria Aursjoen.

Octavian Winters' story begins in late 2021 thanks to a jam session that spawned from unfinished business. Gzebb and Salit, former bandmates in Thrill of The Pull, had met to discuss a film/television publishing deal for Thrill’s catalog (a four-year licensing deal has since been finalized with Expressive Artists). A subsequent jam session produced several motifs, inspiring them to meet several times over the next weeks to explore.

Gzebb invited Aursjoen, who he had met earlier via another project, to a session and the musical chemistry was immediately evident. Gzebb brought in bassist Jay Denton to round out the line up. Randy Gzebb notes, "This gave us the chance to really focus on composition and fully flesh out the song ideas”.

Octavian Winters debuted with the single 'Ondine', a song that draws from a mythical tragedy of love for a sea nymph, and the search ever after for her after she returns to the sea. The music itself transports the listener to a mythical world of sea elementals and an almost courtly love,

Each member of Octavian Winters brings their own rich musical tapestry to the collective and have shared the stage with many iconic acts over the years, including Nine Inch Nails, Killing Joke, Lords of the New Church, Savage Republic, Christian Death, The Frozen Autumn, Everything Goes Cold and Black Tape for a Blue Girl.

Ria (Amenti) Aursjoen, who has synesthesia and has nurtured generational musical seeds planted by her opera diva grandmother Lillian, has recorded and performed in the UK and US in genres ranging from Celtic folk to progressive metal and darkwave. She left her graduate work in theoretical physics to pursue music, touring as a Celtic harpist and vocalist for several years before making her home in San Francisco.

Drummer Randy Gzebb relocated to California from Canada, immersing himself in the San Francisco and Los Angeles music scenes in various projects. He was a member of '80s gothic rock band Love Club, who were signed by Sandy Pearlman (The Clash and The Dictators), released on MCA Records, and produced by Bill Buchanan (Fields Of The Nephilim, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, The Leather Nun).

Stephan Salit, who considers performing live his sacred space, has recorded and performed with a wide variety of groups including Specimen. Approaching each song as a canvas that calls for colour and depth, he views his playing as painting with sound.

Bay Area native Jay Denton, who spent some time on the road with Jack Kerouac, has had a diverse career performing classical and contemporary composers, and playing for various jazz and rock bands, including extensively with the house band at San Francisco’s famous Condor strip club. Jay has toured in London, Japan and across the United States.

As of August 2, 'Undertow' will be available from find music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp. 'The Line or Curve' EP will be released on October 13 via Stratis Capta Records.

CREDITS 
Music written by Octavian Winters
Lyrics by Ria Aursjoen
Ria Aursjoen - Vocals / Keyboards
Stephan Salit - Guitars
Randy Gzebb - Drums
Jay Denton - Bass
Recorded at OW studios San Francisco, CA
Vocals recorded by Mark Pistel, Room 5 Recording, San Francisco, CA
Mixed and mastered by William Faith at 13 Studio, Chicago, IL
Produced by Octavian Winters and William Faith
Artist photos by Dina Marie Robinson
Jay Adams - Video director, cinematographer, editor producer
Eric Olson - Design
Steve Devaney - Design at Uroboros Choke
Concept, storyboard, set and costume design by Ria Aursjoen
Featuring Cathenge art installation by David Normal


Keep up with Octavian Winters
Website | Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Press contact

Keep up with Shameless Promotion PR
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | LinkedIn | Email